The infringement review process
What we can review
We can review any infringement fine issued by City of Melbourne that has not been paid, not been registered with Fines Victoria and not been referred to the Magistrates’ Court.
Who can apply for review
If you have been issued with a fine, you can apply for a review in writing.
For parking fines, you must be the registered owner of the vehicle. The registered owner can also nominate the person responsible for the parking fine. Find out more about
how to make a driver nomination.
You can also provide another person (such as a family member or friend) with written authority to apply on your behalf.
For fines issued to a company (or company-owned vehicle), you must be the company director or authorised to act on behalf of the company.
What are the grounds for review
The law provides five categories or grounds for a fine to be reviewed:
- Contrary to law: you believe an offence did not occur or that the infringement notice is not valid.
- Exceptional circumstances: unforeseen and exceptional circumstances outside your control may excuse the conduct that led to the offence. This could include a medical emergency or a vehicle breakdown.
- Mistake of identity: you believe the fine was issued to the wrong person or vehicle.
Special circumstances: circumstances that contributed to you having a significantly reduced capacity to understand or control the offending behaviour due to a mental or intellectual disorder, disease or illness, serious addiction, homelessness or family violence. Or you are experiencing long-term circumstances (not solely or predominantly related to your personal finances) that make it impracticable for you to pay. Find out more about
special circumstances.
- Person unaware: you did not receive advice of the infringement because your fine was served by post and you changed your address around the time the fine was issued.
What evidence is required to support a review
In most circumstances, we need verifiable evidence from a third-party to support your grounds for review.
You should provide this evidence as supporting documents when you apply.
Learn more about
providing us with supporting documents.
What happens next
When we receive your application we will place your fine on hold while we review it.
We consider all available information including evidence collected by the issuing officer, circumstances and supporting documents provided by you or third parties, and any requirements under law.
We will notify you of the outcome in writing. We’ll also notify you if we need more information from you.
What are the possible outcomes
When we review your fine there are a number of possible outcomes. These include:
- confirming the decision to issue a fine
- withdrawing the fine and replacing it with an official warning
- withdrawing the fine
- withdrawing the fine and referring the matter to the Court.
If the fine is confirmed, you have a number of
options to deal with your infringement.
How long does it take
Internal reviews can take up to 90 days or longer if we need more information from you.
If we need more information, we will notify you in writing and provide you with a due date to supply it. After that date, we’ll make a decision based on the information we have available to us.
If we confirm the decision to issue your fine, we’ll notify you in writing and give you a new due date to take action to deal with your fine.
What if I need legal assistance
If you need legal assistance, help finding a local community legal centre or further advice about your options in dealing with a fine, you can contact
Victoria Legal Aid.